This Week in Washington: 118th Congress begins, House finally chooses Speaker

Congress

House

House Names Speaker

Although in the past, members of Congress are generally sworn in following the selection of a Speaker, the need for 15 ballots to choose a Speaker delayed this important step. On Jan. 9, it is expected that the House will finalize choosing members to be chairman of committees for which there is a race. The Ways and Means Committee is one such committee.

Rep. Frank Pallone Releases Names of Democratic Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Staff Leadership

On Jan. 3, House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) announced the names of the Democratic committee staff that will lead the minority staff for the Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittees during the 118th Congress. They are as follows:

Jennifer Epperson – Communications and Technology Subcommittee
Lisa Hone – Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee
Tuley Wright – Energy Subcommittee
Caitlin Haberman – Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee
Una Lee – Health Subcommittee
Will McAuliffe – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

Senate

Sen. Bernie Sanders Takes Over as Senate HELP Committee Chair

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will chair the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for the 118th Congress. As chair, Sanders has vowed to challenge drug manufacturers, insurers and work for lower prescription drug costs.

Read more on healthcare policy in McGuireWoods Consulting’s Washington Healthcare Update.